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Robin Franco has lived in Palos Verdes since age 10.  She graduated from Cal State University Long Beach with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science, planning to become a math teacher.  Her first job was with Magnavox, designing and installing integrated navigation systems for ships, spending up to 3 months at sea supporting these systems.  The company was sold to Leica Geosystems, where she continued working as a systems analyst in GPS navigation.  Then she became Director of the South Bay Jewish Federation, working with donors and developing fund-raising activities.  She became Executive Director of Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach, running the business side and working with its board of trustees and the congregation.  4 months ago she became Managing Director at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts, consisting of the Theatre and the adjacent Norris Pavilion.

The Norris Theatre started in 1977 when Agnes Moss and Joan Moe formed a nonprofit organization for theater arts in the community.  The developers of “The Promenade on The  Peninsula” shopping mall donated land for the building, and the Ken and Eileen Norris Foundation provided $1 million to start fundraising.  The Theatre opened in September 1983.

 

The Theatre seats 450 and includes a full orchestra pit, fully equipped dressing room, props and sets room, refreshment room with minibars, and the Soldoff Lounge for private parties.  Many famous performers have presented there, and it has become a well-known theater in the Southern California region.

The 14,000 ft² Harlyne J Norris Pavilion opened in 1999, hosting the business offices, some theatrical performances, performance classes and a community rental facility.  It has excellent acoustics and 106 pull-out theater seats.  The Negri Academy education department was added with funding by the late Dr Max Negri (a past honorary member of our Club).  It has 1600 students per year in classes and summer camps, and produces at least 4 musical shows annually.  There are scholarships for underserved students, who are bussed to Palos Verdes.  Handicapped children are mentored in theater arts participation by high school volunteers.

The Center is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, support groups and an annual fundraising event, plus income from ticket sales and facility rentals.  Volunteers and some volunteer staff contribute their time.  Support groups include Honorary Producers, Encore Circle, Bravo!, and Act II.

Information about the Theatre and its performance schedule, box office hours, buying tickets online, other activities at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts, and information for donors, are all on its website, http://www.norristheatre.org/.